Professional experience
Tavern manager, 20 years
Bellevue Avenue Tavern, Montclair, 1995 to 2016
Self-reported
All professionals
Board and card games in Montclair
Theo Rivera
Board and card games and Personal training: Canasta, gin rummy, poker and dominoes
Former tavern manager who teaches canasta, poker and dominoes with plenty of table talk
- 4.9 from 8 reviews
- Lives in Montclair
- All five checks passed
Ask a question before you book. Contact details stay private.
MahjongCanasta
- Mahjong: Needs 4 players. You set up the table, the pro brings the game.
- Canasta: Needs 4 players. You set up the table, the pro brings the game.
Mahjong and Canasta are booked as at least 4 visits.
Uses what you have at homeA sturdy chair, a wall, the stairs
Credentials
Certification
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
National Academy of Sports Medicine, 2017
Self-reported
About me
I grew up in a Puerto Rican family where Sunday meant dominoes on the porch and canasta at the kitchen table until somebody's aunt got mad. Then I spent twenty years managing a tavern on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, where the regulars ran a weekly poker game in the back room. Between the two, I have explained a lot of card rules to a lot of people.
My lessons are relaxed and social. We pick one game, I teach it with the cards face up, and then we play for real, usually for pennies or pretzels. I like to teach the games families can play together, so grandkids and grandparents can sit at the same table at the holidays. I also got certified as a trainer a few years back, and for anyone who wants it, I end with ten minutes of seated strength work.
I live in Montclair with my wife and our very loud parrot, Chico. On Saturdays I coach my nephew's Little League team at Brookdale Park.
What a first visit looks like
- 1
Minute 0 to 10
We talk about the games you remember from family gatherings and pick one to start with.
- 2
Minute 10 to 25
I deal hands face up and explain the rules and scoring with a simple written chart.
- 3
Minute 25 to 55
We play real rounds together, for pennies if you like, and I share a few winning habits.
- 4
Minute 55 to 65
Optional seated stretches and light band work, then I leave the rules chart for your next game.
What to have ready
Nothing to buy before the first visit
- A table with room for two decks
- A jar of pennies or pretzels
- Good lighting
- A pencil and paper for scores
Where Theo goes
- MontclairLives here
- Bloomfield
- Glen Ridge
- Verona
Where in the home
Living roomAnywhere with a chair
Usual week
Mon
1pm
to 5pmTue
Off
Wed
9am
to 1pmThu
Off
Fri
1pm
to 5pmSat
Off
Sun
Off
What families say
“Messages back fast and remembers the little things.”
Karen H.
“Very respectful of my father's routines.”
Patrick J.
“My mother says it is the best part of her Tuesday.”
Raj M.
“Four ladies from Mom's building now play every week.”
Raj F.
“A real bright spot in our week. Highly recommend.”
Alex G.
“Easy to book and an absolute delight.”
Chris B.
“Kind, punctual and so much fun. Dad is already asking about next week.”
Karen M.
“Patient and encouraging. My mother painted her first landscape!”
David L.
Checked and vetted
- Online search
- A real conversation with our team
- Signed provider agreement
- Criminal background check
- National sex offender registry check
$80 per hour
Plus a $2.50 booking fee and 10% service fee.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before.